Energy supply and propulsion assembly for ships

The system (1) has diesel generator units (2) for producing electrical power, and converter units (9) for converting the electrical power in the form of alternating current into direct current. A direct current intermediate circuit (5) supplies the direct current converted by the converter units to consumers. A control device (12) individually adjusts the rotation speed of each diesel generator unit for varying the quantity of electrical energy to be produced, by taking into account a requirement profile concerning the required quantity of electrical power. An independent claim is also included for a method for providing a power supply and drive system for a ship.